Growing Lettuce

lactuca sativa : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S S              
      T T T            
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Lettuce in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden, or start in seed trays and plant out in 4-6 weeks.. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 27°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, Onions, Strawberries, Beets, Brassicas, Radish, Marigold, Borage, Chervil, Florence fennel, leeks.
  • Avoid growing close to: Parsley, Celery

Your comments and tips

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13 Nov 14, Belinda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Two weeks ago we planted mixed lettuce seedlings. We notice two days ago we planted two together so we pulled them out, separated and replanted them. The very next day all the replanted lettuce had died off. Will it come back and did we do something wrong. Thanks.
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11 Oct 15, Mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Belinda. From the reading I have done its best to sacrifice the weaker looking seedling with a pair of scissors than disturb the root system.
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14 Oct 14, Kellie (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted some lettuces in a shady spot a couple of weeks ago, most have already gone soft and died, the others seem to be going the same way which is saddening! Any ideas?
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29 Oct 14, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Sydney and find that you got to keep the water up to them. Now find that growing mixed lettuces in a tray in semi-shade seems better as their roots aren't deep and they don't wilt. I use the deepest "kitty litter" tray and punch some holes in them and line them with old leaves before proceeding with my soil mix. Use weak solution of seasol once a week on them and and fresh water on other days.
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04 Oct 14, Kat (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I just harvest leaves from my mixed lettuces or do I have to uproot them and sow more seed...??
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09 Oct 14, Marzi (Australia - temperate climate)
If it is the coral type of lettuce and not iceberg (those with a firm heart) then you can pick the outer leaves and it will keep producing until time to bolt (seed)
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11 Sep 14, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My wonderful 80 odd yr old neighbour gave me this tip and works really well. When washing your lettice add salt to the water and snalls ect leave much quicker. Its surprising whats left in the water after doing this.
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29 May 14, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted some crops (based on your advice) and was wondering what is eating at my dwarf cos lettuce and rocket ? I see no evidence of grubs or snails. Can you please help ?
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04 Sep 14, Frances (Australia - temperate climate)
Might be mice/rats. My iceberg seems to be eaten by these. Or do you have rabbits in the area?
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23 May 15, Greenthumb (Australia - temperate climate)
When you say your lettuce didn't make it, did it bolt? or not grow at all?, you might need to check your soil PH as lettuce is quite easy to grow....... there is no chance of every starting too big, I wish my vegie garden was double the size. I would check your soil and make sure that you don't under or over water.
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Showing 81 - 90 of 196 comments
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Hi Tara, the planting guide says you can plant lettuce in the garden now but how well it does may depend on where you are located and how hot your weather will be. I had a similar dilemma because I live in SW Qld and we have really hot long summers. I tried sowing some seeds in January but they didn't germinate and I read in a gardening book that they will not germinate in temps over 28 degrees. The same book also mentioned that it is possible to germinate lettuces in the fridge so that is what I have done :-D. I now have cute little lettuce seedlings almost ready to plant into the garden (2 loose leaf varieties) and after a couple of cooler days in the last week I have found some of my previous lettuces have self seeded and I have more plants coming up in the garden! I guess i will find out if they survive or not! The biggest danger in the hot temps is that the plants may go to seed quickly meaning less lettuce to eat. If planting lettuces this time of year it is important to give them plenty of shade and lots of water on the hot days. If the plants still go to seed quickly it may be just too hot for them and you can learn for next year. As far as which varieties to choose you should avoid heading lettuces like icebergs because I have heard you won't get a good head on them if it is too hot. I am not an expert - I have only been growing veg for about a year - but you should consider doing what I did and buy some mixed lettuce seedlings from your nearest garden shop and keeping the seeds from the varieties you like the best! Alternatively if any of your friends grow their own you can ask them for a taste or any spare seeds. If you already have some seeds you can always give them a try and see what works best!! If there are any more experienced gardeners out there feel free to correct me if I am wrong!

- Kt

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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